The frigid temperatures and inclement weather that winter brings can make severe blows to your vehicle.
Tire pressure tends to drop with drastic decreases in temperature. Icy roads might impact your suspension and wheel alignment. Weak parts that are on their final stretch of life could break.
If an item stops working at the wrong time, it could affect your safety or result in an inoperable car.
Car parts and wintertime
Here are some car parts that may be affected by the colder months (more information about winter car problems can be found below):
- Batteries
- Bearings
- Belts
- Electrical parts
- Fluids
- Seals
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield wiper motors
Battery: Many people have heard that weak batteries will fail during this time of the year. While that is true, more fail in extreme heat than during the colder months. It’s just more inconvenient when it’s cold outside and your car won’t turn on.
Bearings and seals: When it’s warm, bad bearings and seals may still work OK. During the winter, things can contract a bit and you might start noticing more problems. Leaks could occur because the lower temperatures add extra pressure to seals and they aren’t able to do their job.
Belts: Belts wear out, crack, and become glazed from daily use. If there’s something wrong with a belt, you may hear it chirp more than it normally would.
Electrical components: Wintertime sometimes has an effect on electrical parts, too. This includes window motors, four-wheel drive actuators, or anything that has to do with electrical contacts. The cold weather will finish off any mediocre parts.
Fluids: You will want to make sure that contaminants haven’t collected in your vehicle fluids (i.e brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), which don’t flow as quickly during winter. Low fluid levels are another problem we keep an eye out for.
Windshield wipers and wiper motors: When you’re driving through snow and ice, it forces the windshield wipers and windshield wiper motors to work harder. Windshield wiper blades can tear and the motor could stop working.
Other problems: Sand and salt that’s spread on the roads may cause a few problems, including corrosion buildup. These materials can also lead to surface rust on the exhaust as well as steering and suspension components. They could dry out boots and make rubber parts brittle, too. A lot of nicer cars have panels that protect parts of the vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep up with the panels, which can prevent corrosion from collecting underneath.
Preventing winter car problems
We aren’t able to predict all winter car problems we will experience. However, being aware of issues that can arise and any preventative maintenance your car needs could help you avoid unexpected setbacks.
Our technicians fill out a Digital Vehicle Inspection on the vehicles they work on. If your auto repair shop looks over your vehicle during oil changes, pay attention to any recommendations they make.
Some maintenance items don’t need to be completed right away, but knowing about them allows you to plan your budget and future appointments you need to make.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.